Tributes to man killed in road crash tragedy
TRIBUTES have been paid to a young dad who died when a car he was in crashed into a wall. Christopher James, 29, of Rawtenstall, was pronounced dead at the scene following the smash on Haslingden Road, in the town at around 3am on Sunday.
A second man, aged 26, suffered back and wrist injuries in the collision, but his injuries are not believed to be lifethreatening.
Chris’s family described him as a ‘loveable rogue with a cheeky smile and a mischievous sense of humour’. In a statement they said: “Christopher was a much-loved husband, father, son, brother and grandson.
“He would do anything for his wide circle of friends and family, especially his five-year-old son, Logan, to who he was entirely devoted.” Close friend Jake Stables, 26, from Bacup, said former Haslingden High pupil Chris was like a brother to him and they shared a passion for cars and were both regulars in the Commercial Hotel in Haslingden.
He said: “If you go in the Commercial every single person in there knew him.”
TRIBUTES have been paid to a young dad who tragically died after a car hit a wall.
Emergency services were called to Haslingden Road, in Rawtenstall, at around 3am on Sunday, October 21.
Christopher James, who was 29 and from Rawtenstall, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man, aged 26, suffered back and wrist injuries in the collision. These are not believed to be life-threatening.
Chris’ family described him as a ‘loveable rogue with a cheeky smile and a mischievous sense of humour’.
In a statement they said: “Christopher was a much loved husband, father, son, brother and grandson. He was a loveable rogue with a cheeky smile and a mischievous sense of humour.
“He would do anything for his wide circle of friends and family, especially his five-year-old son, Logan, to who he was entirely devoted. He was passionate about sports cars and he was a regular visitor to cruise events at Trafford Park and the Drag Strip at Santa Pod.
Most of all, he was a light in our lives and he will be very sorely missed.”
Close friend Jake Stables, 26, from Bacup, said former Haslingden High pupil Chris was like a brother to him and they shared a passion for fast cars and were both regu- lars in the Commercial Hotel in Haslingden.
He said: “I have known him a couple of years but spent every day of my life with him and his son.
“He loved his family. If you go in the Commercial every single person in there knew him. That was our local pub.”
Chris’ distraught mum Joanne Greenwood revealed he had died in a message to her Facebook followers on Sunday.
Joanne posted: “It’s with a heavy heart that today my gorgeous son Chris James has left us.
“He was taken far too soon. RIP sweetheart miss u loads. Mum x”
Beautiful floral tributes to Chris have also been left at the crash scene from devastated family and friends.
One read: ‘ A genuine guy gone way too soon. You’ll be missed by all. RIP Chris, Hannah and Michael’.
Another said: ‘R.I.P. Chris my darling son whose life has been taken too soon, love you always. Mum and Jon x’
A Go Fund Me donation page has been set up to raise funds for Chris’s funeral. It has so far raised £525 of a £1,000 target.
Lancashire Police said the Citroen C2 - which collided with a stone wall - was discovered by a passer-by. The force is now appealing for anyone with information to come forward quoting incident reference 193 of October 21.
Sgt Oliver Jones said: “This is an incredibly sad incident and my thoughts are with Christopher’s family who are being supported by our officers.
“If you saw a Citroen C2 being driven along Haslingden Road around that time or you have any information you think can help, please get in touch.
“I am particularly asking people to come forward with any dash cam or CCTV footage.”
Preston Coroners Court said no inquest date has been set yet.